book review: the girl who fell beneath the sea // axie oh

Author: Axie Oh

Stand alone

Format: e-arc (thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy)

Genre: Fantasy | YA | Asian Mythology

Synopsis: 

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

Rate: 5 / 5 ⭐

Review:

Before everything I must say that this book is simply beautiful. Axie Oh's writing just breathes life into the story. the setting, the world building, the characters!! I am impressed. Yes there were certain parts that were predictable especially if you are familiar with Korean myths or have watched waay too many k dramas but that didn't make the story any less magical. 

The themes of grief, hope and love were explored in this book which made for some emotional moments. Mina, the protagonist, was determined and brave with her task. I found it really nice that she didn't make a lot of stupid decisions that we see a lot of YA characters do. Even the side characters were great, I would love to know more about them especially Namgi (but *sigh* this is a stand alone). 

Overall a magical story with the perfect amount of fantasy, adventure and romance written in elegant prose. 

*:・゚✧*:・゚✧

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